Mike Holden (pictured right), who is studying for a degree in Glass and Ceramics at the University of Sunderland, will visit glassmakers at the Crisil factory in Bolivia in September, where he will help them enhance their glass products, which are made from recycled cola bottles.
He plans to blog about his experiences, which will include photos of his experiences in Bolivia with Crisil, and will appear here on the Traidcraft website.
Mike says: “This is an amazing opportunity to collaborate and share knowledge with Bolivian glassmakers. I’ve developed an idea of branding the range with the Crisil logo. This is to separate it from other generic glassware and make it more exclusive. We’re looking to develop a process where the Crisil logo will be put on each item of glassware.”
Hilary Anderson, senior product development co-ordinator, says: “This knowledge transfer project between universities and local businesses is mutually beneficial – Traidcraft wants to invest in the new and exciting talent that comes from our local universities, while students get the chance to work with a unique business like Traidcraft.”
Crisil is a glassmaking factory located in Cochabamba, central Bolivia. Orders from Traidcraft help Crisil to invest in better equipment and facilities for their workers. They have just installed a new kiln.
Mario Quispe (pictured left) is a master glassblower at Crisil. He says: "When I started I was a helper but with time and my effort now I am a master glass blower. Now I have a family, a wife and children, and this is the place to be to earn a secure living."
